The government is looking at developing the Andaman and Nicobar islands, equipping them with infrastructure needed for pushing tourism as well as protecting India's strategic interests, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said.

The government is looking at developing the Andaman and Nicobar islands, equipping them with infrastructure needed for pushing tourism as well as protecting India’s strategic interests, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said.

The minister, in an interview to IANS, said the government is also looking at “more asset placement” on the islands, including the latest P8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

“Andaman and Nicobar needs to be developed. The tourism potential of tourism needs to be improved,” Parrikar ssaid. “It is strategically important for us, so proper structural reinforcement is needed,” he said.

Parrikar stressed on steps, including development of the airport, improving the radar systems, fulfilling manpower requirements and improving infrastructure and facilities in the islands.

“We need proper infrastructure, including infrastructure for the personnel placed there and more asset placement, including P8Is, for example,” he said.